SWOT Analysis & Goals


I. Technology SWOT Analysis


Strengths
The reason I feel that I have been able to exceed with technology is due to the fact that I can adjust myself with the new developments in technology. A major contributor of being technology savvy is because initially, I wanted to be a Computer Engineer. I was always fascinated about how computers worked and operated. In high school, I was enrolled in four years of computer-based courses. In these courses, I learned the "in's and out's" of Computer Applications, Business Mangament, Business Procedures, and Multimedia. I always did exemplary and inventive work, which also established me into F.B.L.A. (Future Business Leaders of America), where I competed at conventions on computer-based programs and activities. With this course, it allowed me to see if I was still able to produce such works as I did before and even excel at them. Another major reason that I excel in technology is because I grew up in the technology era and continue to be surrounded by the vast improvements in technology.

Weaknesses
The weaknesses that I possess with technology are actually having the patience to update and familiarize myself with new technology. Granted, it doesn't take me long to adapt to, but with the great number of technology it is hard to somewhat keep up with the "latest" items. Technology is also expensive. For example, the Apple products, (iPod, iPodTouch, iPhone, MacBook, iPad, etc.) are always being reproduced with more features, applications, possibilities and of course, prices. The fact that I am in college, barely working and depending on my mother (a little), the means of getting these objects are not on the priority list for me. Therefore, in order to keep up with technology, the finances have to correlate.

Opportunities
The opportunities with technology are endless! What can't technology do? (serious question) Everywhere we go, technology surrounds us with its imperfections and glamarous outcomes. I rely on technology now, more than I rely on myself. If I have to write a paper, can't use loose-leaf paper, you have to type it; I want to go to the store, no need to walk, I have a car. I am giving the opportunity to use a program called Skype, to actually interact visually through a computer screen. How neat is that? As a child, The Jetsons are what I thought the world would be like when I got older: robots, flying cars, teleportation, etc. I still do think these attributes to technology are attainable in some years to come. The idea of technology for me is to only make things quicker, more reliable, and to only be an enhancer to what I would like to accomplish with my endeavors.

Threats
The only threat that I am concerned with is technology taking over my future profession. I honestly feel as though technology is going to eradicate the teaching position. Soon enough, children will no longer have to go to school because they will be able to access their school through a computer. The students will be taught by a computer simulated voice and will have the comfortability of not leaving their bed. It's definitely frightening to even imagine that, because I feel as though knowledge is gained through the transfer of lessons and physical interactions. I do not want to appear as though I am bashing the whole idea of technology, but let technology only enhance the teacher's resources, don't let technology be the teacher.

II. Goal

*Goals on my mind!

Goal #1: "Let me be the teacher and technology can help." - I say this, as I stated in my threats portion of the SWOT Analysis, to let it be known that I plan to be the effective teacher that UWG has shaped and molded for these past four years. The few schools that I have had my field experience at are adamant on making technology a main source for allowing their students to learn. Again, the many bright and ingenous people that are idols today, didn't get their wits from the latest technology that a teacher provided, but from the manual hours of labor that a teacher poured his or her heart their students. I plan to be that teacher.


Goal #2: "The only thing to fear is fear itself" - I use this quote to reassure myself that I can do all things. There isn't one thing that I can't do and as long as I have the desire to do it, then it's feasible. Fear can back us all into a corner and slow us down from all of our dreams and aspirations. My goal for the world is to disregard you fear and follow you heart.